Tyrone Lewis Added to Terrapin Coaching Staff

Maryland Athletics

8-8-2013

COLLEGE PARK, Md. –University of Maryland wrestling head coach Kerry McCoy announced the addition of four-time NCAA All-American and 2004 NCAA runner-up Tyrone Lewis as an assistant coach for the Terps on Thursday.

Lewis, a native of El Reno, Okla., arrives in College Park after spending two seasons as a volunteer assistant at Oklahoma. Prior to his two-year stint in Norman, Lewis served as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State for three seasons.

“I am very excited to have Tyrone join our program,” said McCoy. “He was one of the best wrestlers on one of the nation's best teams at Oklahoma State, and has coached for two of the country's most storied programs.

“He brings a ton of knowledge and experience with him. He has already and will continue to provide a positive impact on the Maryland wrestling family.”

In his time with Oklahoma, the Sooners finished in the top 15 at the NCAA Championships twice with Kedric Maple capturing the 141-pound national title last season.

Before making the transition into coaching, Lewis wrestled for the Cowboys from 2001-04, where he won two Big XII titles (2001, 2004) and compiled a 120-15 record. Lewis made four NCAA appearances finishing fifth in 2001, third in 2002, fifth in 2003, and was a national runner-up in 2004.

Lewis' name is known in national wrestling circles as he was the 2008 runner-up at both the U.S. Olympic Trials and at U.S. Nationals in the 74 kg/163 pound weight class. He was an alternate for the 2008 Olympic team.

Lewis competed on both the national and international levels after leaving Oklahoma State. He represented the United States at the 2005 World University Games in Izmir, Turkey, and was a training partner for the U.S. Senior World Team as it competed at the 2005 FILA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

“As soon as I saw an opportunity at the University of Maryland, I knew I had to jump on it,” said Lewis. “I know the direction the program is headed and the excitement surrounding the program.

“I knew it would be a great fit for me because of the relationship I have with Coach McCoy from competing and training together in the past. Being able to learn from him and Coach [Mike] Catullo, a guy with a wealth of knowledge, caused everything to line up and it is a great fit. I am excited to get started.”

After graduating from Oklahoma State, Lewis took his first collegiate coaching job at Oklahoma City University as an assistant and helped guide the Stars to a 12th-place finish at the NAIA Championships, while coaching three All-Americans.